Meet Our Staff

Technical Consultant – Marcelo Valencia

Marcelo Valencia has been a mainstay in the Northern Virginia soccer scene for the past 35 years as both a player and coach. Marcelo currently is the Varsity Boys Head Soccer Coach at The Potomac School, McLean, VA and is a coach for McLean Youth Soccer. A native of Valparaiso, Chile, Marcelo graduated from J.E.B Stuart High School in Falls Church, Virginia. He played Division 1 soccer at George Washington University where he is the only player in GW soccer history, to be named a four time first team Atlantic 10 selection and to amass over 25 goals and 25 assists in his career. In 1992, Marcelo was the Atlantic 10 “Player of the Year”, and in 2008 was inducted to George Washington’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Also in 1992, Marcelo helped lead the Vista Hurricanes to the U19 National Championship, earning the James P. McGuire Cup.

After GW, Marcelo played five years professional soccer with the Washington Warthogs and Philadelphia Kixx. After his playing career, Marcelo successfully translated his soccer knowledge to coaching where over the past 20 years has helped developed premier soccer players and teams in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Marcelo is excited to serve as MYS Technical Consultant to the club. Marcelo currently holds a USSF “B” License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and NSCAA Premier Diploma.

Director of Coaching, U13G & U15G – Darryl Springer

Darryl Springer has been involved in the game of soccer for over 40 years. He has extensive experience both as a player and a coach at youth, collegiate and national team levels. In Trinidad and Tobago, he played for the Under 19 National Team with the likes of Dwight Yorke and Shaka Hislop. He then played as a four-year starter at Radford University earning Defensive and Team MVP awards. After college Darryl played semi-pro with the Roanoke Riverdawgs, provided assistance to the Radford University Women’s Soccer team and coached boys soccer in the Roanoke Virginia area.

For the past three years Darryl has worked as a coach in the South County community and was instrumental in the launch of soccer for the South County Athletic Association (SCAA). Darryl is an outstanding coach that has the passion for developing the game of soccer at the youth level. His experience as a successful college player and former National Team player will be crucial in helping SCAA to continue to develop a soccer program that is a leader in player development.

Darryl is excited about serving as the SCAA Soccer Director of Coaching and continuing to be a part of top level soccer in Northern VA. Darryl currently holds an USSF National D License.

Technical Director, U10B & U12B – Alex Pinto

Former El Salvador National Team member and current Olympic Development Program coach Alex Pinto has been named as Technical Director South County Soccer.

Pinto comes to South County Soccer with tremendous coaching experience. He has led multiple teams to VYSA State championships, regional appearances and has helped developed numerous players throughout this time in the Northern Virginia area.

“Alex has done a great job the past few years helping us to develop our players and coaches”, said Director of Coaching Darryl Springer. “He has had tremendous success in our area developing great players and coaching teams that play a great brand of soccer. Alex will play a key role in the development of our players and coaches.”

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Alex was a member of the El Salvador National Team and played for several first division clubs in El Salvador during his in eight year career. During his time, his teams earned two Salvadorian League Championships and multiple finals appearances.

“I’m looking forward to the next challenge in my coaching career.” Said Pinto. “South County has great potential and my goal is to help develop our players and teams in our area.”

Coach Pinto currently holds his USSF “B” coaching license and is a member of the Virginia ODP State staff. Coach Pinto will also be the Head Coach for South County’s Rising U9 Boys team.

Jaime Valencia- U11B

Coach Jaime hails from Valparaiso, Chile, where he grew up playing street soccer in the narrow streets of Cerro Baron. At the age of 14, he started defending the colors of Santiago Wanderers Youth System (Chilean First Division). At the age of 18, Jaime was considered one of the top youth midfielders in Chilean futbol.

In 1980, as a youth player, Jaime trained with Santiago Wanderers's first team. Later that year, he led Santiago Wanderers U18 side to a runner up finish in the category's national championships, falling to Colo-Colo, Chile's most popular club. In 1981 Jaime moved to the United States and earned a full ride soccer scholarship to the University of The District of Columbia. During that time, Jaime played club soccer for "Espana" (Club Spain), one of the top amateur teams in the country. In 1985 Club Spain won the US Open Cup Championship. In the mid 90's, Jaime played professional indoor soccer for the Washington Warthogs of the Continental Indoor Soccer League.

Throughout the last 25 years, Jaime has coached NCSL and WAGS teams in MSC, DC Stoddert and McLean Youth Soccer. He is known for player development. Jaime helps his players develop their technical ability and tactical awareness of the game.

Edith Hernandez- U9G & U11G

Coach Edith has been an integral part of Northern Virginia girl's soccer scene for over 20 years. Having develop technically proficient players and helped lead state cup winning teams, in clubs like BRYC and SYC, Coach Edith brings a wealth of experience to South County Soccer. Coach Edith main goal for her players is to become skilled soccer players, while having fun and competing.

Luis Meneses- U9B & U12G

Coach Luis hails from La Paz, Bolivia and has been developing young talents in the Northern Virginia area for over 15 years. While coaching at Team America (Springfield, VA), Coach Luis has lead multiple teams to state cup championships. While knowing what it takes to get to those team heights, Coach Luis focuses on the technical development of each Player. "Coach Luis brings many years of experience in developing top players in the Northern Virginia area. He will be an asset to our program, as will be key in the technical development of our players.", said Darryl Springer, South County Soccer's Director of Coaching.